It is well established that carcinogenic substances are lurking in the environment around us, but just how many cancer cases are caused by these substances remains a mystery. Diet and smoking habits make up nearly 60 percent of cancer cases, and thus personal lifestyle changes play a major factor, but how many cancer cases result from environmental and occupational exposure[1]?

For decades the estimate for such cases has remained at 6 percent, but many experts feel that number is significantly lower than what is actually true. In a 1981 report by two scientists, Sir Richard Doll and Sir Richard Peto, was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It was estimated that pollutants in the environment caused about 2 percent of cancer deaths and exposures in occupational settings were responsible for 4 percent. Using these numbers, 30,000 U.S. deaths resuleds from these exposures in 2009.

But the percentage of cancer cases caused by environmental toxins and occupational exposure can’t be confidently calculated. While it is important to know which substances are carcinogenic and how much these substances are used in our society, many factors must be taken into consideration when determining exactly what causes this number 2 killer to be so rampant.

Tobacco[2] smoke is responsible for nearly 30 percent of cancer cases, and the carcinogenicity of the substance is amplified even greater when asbestos is present. Benzene, which causes leukemia, is commonly found in vehicle exhaust. Similarly, radon, a natural radioactive gas found in many homes, raises the risk of lung cancer while arsenic, linked to skin, liver, bladder and lung cancer, contaminates many foods and juices – as well as the water supply[3].

While scientists and mainstream medical professionals call upon the abilities of mainstream medical science to lessen cancer rates, research shows that the war against cancer using such techniques is a complete failure. Despite 10′s of millions of dollars being spent on the war on cancer each year, and the American Cancer Society allegedly making its mission to treat and prevent cancer, overall rates continue to climb as mainstream medicine provides little benefit.

No matter exactly how many cancer cases are being caused by the environment and occupational exposure, possessing the knowledge allows for individuals to reduce their exposure to the carcinogenic substances while manufacturers and factories can reduce or halt the use of the cancer-causing substances.

So how can the nearly 60 percent of cancer cases caused the smoking and lifestyle be drastically slashed? To put it simple, don’t smoke and live a healthy lifestyle with enough exercise and healthy eating. Fructose is consistently being found to play a significant role in the development and spread of cancer[4], so fructose consumption should be greatly limited. Using organic consumer products, consuming organic foods, not smoking, and filtering your tap water will also greatly help to reduce any chance you have of developing cancer.